coronary dissection
Tear in the coronary artery wall creating a false lumen that can compromise vessel patency and cause ischemia.
Full Definition
Coronary dissection involves a tear in the arterial wall layers, typically between the intima and media, creating a false lumen alongside the true vessel lumen. This condition can occur spontaneously, particularly in young women, or as a complication of percutaneous coronary intervention. Dissections are classified by the Stanford system (Type A or B) or NHLBI classification (A through F) based on angiographic appearance and severity. Mild dissections may heal spontaneously, while severe dissections can cause vessel occlusion, acute coronary syndrome, or sudden cardiac death. Treatment ranges from conservative management to emergency stenting or surgical revascularization depending on the extent and hemodynamic significance.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from 'aortic dissection'; specify location when discussing coronary dissections.
In Context
- "A Type B coronary dissection occurred during balloon inflation, requiring immediate stent deployment." — Interventional procedure note
- "Spontaneous coronary artery dissection was diagnosed in the young female patient presenting with acute MI." — Emergency cardiology report